BALTIMOREThe Orioles have decided theres enough room in their organization for another Rakers.

That makes two, and counting.

Righthander Jason Rakers, 29, was obtained from the Indians for future considerations and assigned to Triple-A Ottawa. Hes one level ahead of righthander Aaron Rakers, a reliever at Double-A Bowie.

The two pitchers arent related. They dont even pronounce their names the sameAarons sounds like "Rockers"but theyre important members of their respective staffs.

Aaron Rakers has saved 24 games at Bowie over the past two years despite missing the first two months last season while recovering from elbow surgery. Jason Rakers, meanwhile, saved the Lynx from falling short of pitching help.

The Orioles promoted Travis Driskill to work in long relief, and John Stephens went on Ottawas disabled list after being hit on the foot by a line drive. Hoping to improve their depth, they found a righthander with some major league experience.

"We needed to pick up an arm or two to fill the holes," farm director Doc Rodgers said. "Hes a veteran Triple-A arm."

Jason Rakers was 0-1, 3.89 in two innings at Triple-A Buffalo and 0-0, 1.08 in eight innings at Double-A Akron. He saw brief time in the majors in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

He made it easy for the Orioles to scout him. Rakers pitched against the Lynx this season, and faced Bowie three times after the Indians assigned him to Double-A Akron. In his Ottawa debut, Rakers allowed six runs over his first five innings. He was moved to the bullpen, where the club intends to keep him.

Aaron Rakers was having much more success. The 26-year-old was 4-0, 1.96 with five saves in 18 innings. He had struck out 21 while walking five.

Bird Seed

 The Orioles transferred lefthander Erik Bedard to the 60-day disabled list to make room for catcher Robert Machado on the 40-man roster. Bedard wont pitch this season after having Tommy John surgery in his left elbow.

 Lefthander Richard Stahl has resumed pitching at low Class A Delmarva after beginning the season at extended spring training because of a strained lower back. Stahl made two starts at Delmarva last year because of left shoulder tendinitis.